Handyman vs General Contractor: Which Do You Need?

A handyman is a jack-of-all-trades who handles smaller repair and maintenance tasks around your home. In Texas, handymen can legally perform work valued under $500 without a contractor's license. Typical handyman tasks include minor plumbing repairs (fixing leaky faucets, replacing fixtures), small electrical work (swapping outlets, installing ceiling fans), drywall patching, painting, furniture assembly, door and window repairs, and general home maintenance. Most Boerne handymen charge $50-100 per hour and can often complete multiple small tasks in a single visit.

A general contractor is licensed to manage larger construction and renovation projects. They coordinate multiple trades, pull permits, and ensure work meets local building codes. General contractors are required for structural changes, room additions, major remodeling, new construction, and any project exceeding $500 in Texas. They carry liability insurance and worker's compensation, providing protection for both you and their workers. Expect general contractors to provide detailed estimates, project timelines, and handle permit applications with the City of Boerne.

Texas does not require a state-wide general contractor license, but many municipalities including Boerne require permits for specific work. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires licensed specialists regardless of project size. For projects over $500, contractors should carry general liability insurance (minimum $300,000 recommended) and worker's compensation if they have employees. Always verify insurance certificates and check references before hiring.

Choose a handyman for: small repairs taking less than a day, cosmetic updates like painting or fixture swaps, general maintenance tasks, projects under $500, jobs not requiring permits, and when you have a list of small tasks to tackle at once. A good handyman can knock out your honey-do list in one visit, saving you the hassle of scheduling multiple specialists.

Choose a general contractor for: kitchen or bathroom remodels, room additions or structural changes, projects requiring permits, work valued over $500, jobs requiring multiple trades, and any project affecting your home's structure. General contractors manage the complexity, ensure code compliance, and coordinate subcontractors so you don't have to.

Handymen typically charge $50-100/hour in the Boerne area with no markup on materials. General contractors may charge 10-20% above material and labor costs but provide project management and coordination. For a small project like installing a ceiling fan, a handyman might charge $75-150 while a general contractor's minimum project fee could be $500+. For a bathroom remodel, a general contractor's markup is justified by permit handling, trade coordination, and project oversight.